a grateful heart

 this week my heart is grateful for: 

– our charlotte shower was on saturday! it was an autumn-storybook themed shower and was so, so lovely. i loved celebrating with family and friends and my sister-in-law and mother-in-law did an amazing job planning the special event- so thankful for everything. {photos and details on the way!}
– i spent saturday morning at some of my favorite spots in the city- the two markets i love in charlotte, the nail bar, anthropologie, and owen’s bagel and deli {which was inspired from the one in my college town of oxford, ohio}
– many people traveled far to attend the baby shower and it meant so much to me!
–  yesterday, mr. monaco and i ventured over to hodge’s family farm in charlotte for some pumpkins {hoping to share more photos soon of this adventure as well!}
– the spirit of thankfulness and forgiveness {two of my favorites}
– seeing all the families and dogs out at the markets saturday morning- i picked up an air plant for the nursery and a latte and watched people spend time together and be out and about before winter comes
– guacamole and hummus
– i have been collecting various fall recipes to hopefully make soon…
– my parents are coming this weekend to visit from ohio and help with the nursery/organizing baby items {we have received so, so many very generous gifts- so grateful for that!} i can’t wait to see them and spend time together- i will probably only get to see them one more time before the baby arrives {we are traveling up north for thanksgiving}
– dark cherry nail polish
– duck’s donuts {from the outer banks and new to charlotte} i went on friday to pick up an assorted dozen for baby, my co-workers, and i to celebrate passing my glucose test {yay!!} and they were life-changing. {some of the flavors were french toast, pumpkin, reese’s, sprinkles, almond joy, coconut lemon, orange, maple bacon, cinnamon- yum}
– white pumpkins
– apple cider
– a weekend of sunshine – and leaves that are starting to change colors!
– the fact that all three of my football teams are undefeated! {the buckeyes, bengals and panthers}
– sea salted caramel lattes
– photos of my sister and brother-in-law’s adorable puppy, annabel {i will introduce you all soon!}
– campfires
– all of the baby wearing gear we have received- so excited to baby wear our little boy soon ♥